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Happy Birthday at 100: Scientists Discover Who Will Get There
On this rebroadcast of today's To the Point, we look at a new study of one thousand centenarians and what scientists have learned about the roles of genes in predicting extreme longevity. We also talk about the politics of old age in a society where, as some say, seventy is the new fifty. Also, Mexico’s old-line ruling party shows renewed strength, and comfort from computers. Artificial intelligence is starting to look cute. Sara Terry sits in for a vacationing Warren Olney.
By Sara Terry • • 1h 0m ListenOn our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, we look at a new study of one thousand centenarians and what scientists have learned about the roles of genes in predicting extreme longevity. We also talk about the politics of old age in a society where, as some say, seventy is the new fifty. Also, Mexico’s old-line ruling party shows renewed strength, and new developments in artificial intelligence. Furry things and other robots designed to keep us company are making it out of science labs and into homes and hospitals. Sara Terry sits in for a vacationing Warren Olney.
Banner image: Mamie Underhill (L), 104, and her daughter Leita Chapman laugh while reading a birthday card for Mamie during a birthday celebration for five women residents at the Solheim Lutheran Home who are 100-years-old or more August 16, 2002 in Los Angeles, California. Mamie turns 105 on September 19. Photo: David McNew/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesThe Pros and Cons of Extreme Longevity
In industrialized countries, only one in six thousand people lives past the age of 100. Scientists say they have identified a group of genetic variants that can predict exceptional longevity in humans.
Read the story1 minMexico's Old-line Ruling Party Shows Renewed Strength
Preliminary results from yesterday's elections in Mexico showed the opposition PRI party ahead in many state races. But the elections were also marred by violence and intimidation by drug cartels. Some poll workers were so afraid that several polling stations never opened. Tracy Wilkinson is Mexico City Bureau Chief for the Los Angeles Times .
Read the story1 minRobotic Baby Seal Provides Human Comfort
It's white, furry, cute and cuddly – and its name is Paro. One of the latest developments in artificial intelligence, Paro's a robot made to look like a baby harp seal that is helping comfort patients in nursing homes and veterans hospitals.
Read the story1 min
